Withdraw - Yes or No?

Silverkinz · 10-26-2009, 11:09 PM

Alright, a bit of background...

I am a third-year psychology major (BA).
I want to go on to grad school (masters or doctorate program).
I have never withdrawn from a class (after the deadline) before.

I know that a "W" on my transcript won't affect my GPA; however, whenever I bring this up with my roommates (and other UCSD students), they tell me that it'll hurt my chances of getting into grad schools. Now, maybe it's just me, but I don't see how one or two "W" grades over a four-year time span can override my 3.391 GPA and one year's worth of internship experience at UCSD.

I currently have a C- in the class, based on a midterm that is worth 40% of the class grade. The mean score was a 75%, so if there IS a curve, chances are I will end up with a C or maybe even a C+... but he won't curve the scores until the end of the quarter. I'm not sure I want to stick around and see how I do on the final exam (the other 60% of the class grade, and CUMULATIVE).

Undergrads: What would you do, if in my position?
Grads: Have you ever ended up with a "W" on your transcript? If so, do you think it hurt your chances of getting into a grad school?

Thanks a bunch, to those who bother to reply with their input!

Arctic · 10-27-2009, 12:22 AM

Is this an upper div major course?

I would stick it out and just get through it, study your ass off on the final. What makes you so sure you will do better the second time? Passing the class will move you closer to your goal of graduating, taking the W and retaking it is just a waste of time, even if its a C-.

I would only withdraw if you are sure you will fail or can do better on it the second time around. W wont matter that much imo, neither will one C-.

poonpoon_lam · 10-27-2009, 10:46 AM

u'd stick w the class. who knows? u might get an A on final...

Silverkinz · 10-27-2009, 12:10 PM

The class is an elective upper-div course for my major. If I withdraw, I'll still be taking three classes this quarter, so it won't set me back credit-wise.

I just found out that this course is ONLY taught by this professor (unless I want to take the course over the summer, which I don't). So I wouldn't be taking this class again, if I withdraw.

coolguy90 · 10-29-2009, 08:39 PM

Stick with it. It's only 40% so far. So if you can really put your act together, I'm sure you will get at least up to the B range. W's aren't as bad as people make it out to be. But I'd still prefer taking a C over a W. You're not in a bad position though. Good luck, mate!